SynthesisBMC health services research2025
The effects of the introduction of the single-family room in neonatal and paediatric intensive care on the outcomes of paediatric patients, families, staff, and organizations: a mixed method systematic review.
Synthesis in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- The effects of the introduction of the single-family room in neonatal and paediatric intensive care on the outcomes of paediatric patients, families, staff, and organizations: a mixed method systematic review.BMC health services research · 2025Pooled it
- Nurse-parent communication and interaction during caregiving events in single-family room neonatal intensive care units.PEC innovation · 2026Article
- Impact of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Environment on Maternal Breast Milk Utilization: : A Retrospective Study.Delaware journal of public health · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
12 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundThe introduction of single-family rooms (SFRs) in neonatal (NICUs) and paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) enhances family involvement and transforms healthcare professionals’ approach to patient care. This shift promotes family-centred care while requiring adjustments in staff workflows and communication. Given the significant implications of this structural change, this review examines the effects of SFRs on paediatric intensive care patient outcomes, families, healthcare staff, and healthcare organizations.
methodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases and grey literature. Studies published in English, Italian, and Spanish from 2009 to 2025 were included. The review adhered to the Johanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA reporting guidelines to ensure rigor and transparency.
resultsA total of 649 records were identified, with 30 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that SFRs in NICUs positively impact neonatal neurodevelopment, parental participation, and staff experiences. Infants in SFRs demonstrated improved neurobehavioral outcomes, better sleep regulation, higher exclusive breastfeeding rates, and shorter hospital stays. Increased parental presence strengthened parent-infant bonding, facilitated earlier milk expression, and reduced maternal stress. However, concerns were raised regarding potential sensory deprivation, which could affect long-term language and motor development. From the healthcare staff perspective, SFRs were associated with increased job satisfaction, improved family-centred care, and reduced noise-related stress. However, some nurses reported greater emotional strain, professional isolation, and communication challenges. Organizationally, SFRs improved workflow efficiency, enhanced infection control adherence, and reduced costs due to shorter hospital stays. Despite these benefits, only one study evaluating in PICUs setting was included, highlighting a significant gap in research.
conclusionsSFR NICUs offer substantial benefits in family-centred care, neurodevelopment, and hospital efficiency. Successful implementation requires careful planning to support staff well-being, promote collaboration, and address potential sensory deprivation. Healthcare administrators should ensure adequate training and emotional support of staff, and environmental enrichment strategies. Future research should focus on optimizing NICU designs to balance developmental advantages, parental engagement, staff satisfaction, and operational sustainability while expanding studies on PICU settings. REGISTRATION: This review is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024501520).
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.